10 Best Machetes [2022 GUIDE]

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Welcome to the best machetes review and buying guide to help make your purchase decisions easier.

Best machete for the money:

Tramontina Machete

A machete built for performance and durability. It is worth every dollar and more, considering the amount of work and fun you get from it.

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Best machete for bushcraft:

Hooyman Machete with Heavy Duty Construction

A beautiful machete with sturdy construction that makes a great companion for your outdoor adventures. The polyester sheath keeps it clean and protected.

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Best machete for clearing bamboo:

Schrade SCHPR1CP Full-Tang Parang Machete

Clearing bamboo and woody vegetation require a sturdy and robust chopping tool, and the blade on this parang machete will not disappoint.

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Best machete for chopping wood:

Condor Tool & Knife Carbon Steel Parang Machete

Another parang machete, but with a heavy-weighted carbon steel blade for the ultimate chopping power. Its durability is first-rate.

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Best machete for clearing brush:

Tramontina Machete

A durable and well-weighted carbon steel blade machete that you can sharpen to cut and clear brush effortlessly.

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Best machete for hunting:

Kershaw Camp 14 (1076) Full-Tang Machete

This carbon steel blade machete is the ideal all-round outdoor and hunting tool that cuts, chops, hacks, and splits anything on the trail.

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Best machete for camping:

Camillus Carnivore X-18” Machete with Sheath

The ideal machete for your camping needs must perform many tasks and has toughness and stain resistance to withstand the outdoor extremes; the Camillus Carnivore has them in spades.

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Best machete for opening coconuts:

Schrade SCHPR1CP Full-Tang Parang Machete

The parang machete has a stainless steel blade that is thick and sturdy, providing more than sufficient chopping power for your favorite coconuts.

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Best machete for survival:

Kershaw Camp 10 (1077TAN) Full-Tang Machete

Its relatively short blade, excellent build quality, and molded nylon sheath with safety straps and belt loop make this the ideal survival machete.

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THE 10 BEST MACHETES REVIEW

#1 Tramontina Machete

This machete is inexpensive and simple-looking yet performs admirably when put to work – clearing brush, chopping trees, opening coconuts, you name it.

The all-round performance is not surprising considering its Brazilian maker who knows a thing or two about the Amazon rainforest.

The machete comes blunt at and near the blade’s tip for rigidity and strength, not a design flaw; you can sharpen it to suit the task at hand.

What you get with this machete:

• Simple design, but a workhorse.
• Built for performance and durability.
• Carbon steel blade.
• 18-inch blade; 23-inch overall length.
• Does not come with a sheath.
• Made in Brazil.

Drawback:

• Requires sharpening before first use (by design).

#2 Hooyman Machete with Heavy Duty Construction

The machete’s design is aesthetically pleasing with the signature kukri-style curved blade made famous by the Nepalese army.

Its multi-purpose includes gardening, bushcraft, hunting, and various outdoor uses.

The proprietary H-grip located along the handle’s vital contact points provides ample grip when it rains or your palm sweats.

What you get with this machete:

• 3CR13 stainless steel blade.
• L20.25 x W4.25 x D1.25 inches overall.
• Peg holes on the handle and blade for hanging and storing.
• Non-slip ergonomic handle that turns tacky when wet to ensure grip.
• 1680D polyester belt sheath.

Drawback:

• Nothing notable.

#3 Schrade SCHPR1CP Full-Tang Parang Machete

The machete’s build quality is top-notch, with a sufficiently-weighted blade for the tasks and an ergonomic handle that ensures it stays firmly in your grip under all working conditions.

It is the perfect machete for chopping, and the 3CR13 stainless steel parang blade is sturdy and requires less oiling and maintenance than a carbon steel blade.

At around 1/8” thickness providing the blade a good heft, it ably cuts through bushes, tree branches, bamboo, or coconuts.

What you get with this machete:

• 3CR13 stainless steel blade, 13.7 inches long.
• L19.6 inches overall.
• Textured ergonomic handle provides good grip.
• Polyester sheath for easy carry.

Drawback:

• Nothing notable.

#4 Condor Tool & Knife Carbon Steel Parang Machete

The parang-style machete with a heavy-weighted carbon steel blade from Condor Tool & Knife is a suitable alternative to a stainless steel blade for users needing additional chopping prowess.

This heavy chopper requires minimal resharpening, even under heavy use. It chops saplings and tree branches up to 4 inches in diameter with ease.

The polypropylene quillon handle gives you peace of mind that it won’t slip out of your hand when chopping repeatedly. For additional grip and preventing roll, wrap the handle with a tennis racket grip tape.

What you get with this machete:

• 13-inch-long 1075 carbon steel blade.
• Polypropylene quillon handle ensures proper grip.
• Comes with a nylon sheath.
• Made in El Salvador.
• The perfect machete for chopping.

Drawback:

• The blade is a little too heavy for hiking and camping.

#5 Kershaw Camp 14 (1076) Full-Tang Machete

It is a Kershaw machete with a striking design suitable for hunters, survivalists, and wilderness guides.

The blade’s shape and weight are ideal for cutting and chopping woody vegetation and slashing and piercing wild game.

It is durable, but you will need to sharpen the blade more regularly if you consistently use it for chopping.

What you get with this machete:

• 14-inch-long 65MN carbon steel blade.
• The powder coating offers blade protection and makes maintenance easier.
• Non-slip contoured rubber overmold handle with a handguard.
• Stylish molded sheath with sturdy nylon straps.

Drawback:

• The blade does not fit tightly into the sheath.

#6 Camillus Carnivore X-18” Machete with Sheath

This machete’s features make it genuinely multi-purpose: chisel edge, wire cutter, gut hook, and a full-length saw on the blade’s back. It is the perfect machete for your camping trips.

Its full-tang blade gives the machete the overall balance and strength you need for a reliable tool that cuts, chops, digs, chisels, and saws.

The plastic handle is curved and ergonomic but could use a different material to increase comfort and grip when wet.

What you get with this machete:

• 18-inch-long titanium bonded 420 stainless steel full-tang blade: 12-inch blade and 6-inch handle.
• Bonus item: 5-inch trimming knife with hex heads and a separate sheath for the knife.
• Tough ballistic nylon sheath with belt loop that protects the machete.

Drawback:

• The plastic handle is uncomfortable for long use and gets slippery when wet.

#7 Kershaw Camp 10 (1077TAN) Full-Tang Machete

This Kershaw machete in a black and tan color scheme has a 10-inch powder-coated full-tang blade that protects against rust.

The accompanying sheath with gear straps and belt loop and the relatively small-sized blade make carrying the machete easy as you hike and maneuver challenging terrains. The textured handle design is grippy and includes a guard at the top and bottom for safety.

It is the ideal survival machete you can rely on for your trips to the wilderness.

What you get with this machete:

• 10-inch-long 65MN Stainless Steel full-tang blade with powder coat.
• 16-inch overall length.
• Textured rubber overmold handle with double lanyard holes.
• Nylon sheath threaded with glass for added strength and stiffness.

Drawback:

• The blade is not as hefty as it should be.

#8 EGKH 18.5” Traditional Sirupate 2 Chira Kukri

It is a beautifully-crafted collector’s item for the kukri enthusiasts that cuts and chops as remarkably as it looks.

The large 18.5” blade, made of high-grade 5160 carbon steel, is delivered oiled and unfinished but can be incredibly sharp. Its craftmanship from blade tip to the pommel is top-notch.

It is well-weighted and feels comfortable in the hands as you put it to work.

What you get with this machete:

• Large 18.5-inch 5160 carbon steel blade.
• 27-inch overall length.
• Full-tang Rosewood handle.
• Buffalo leather sheath.
• Handmade by the Gurkha Khuhuri makers.
• 2 smaller knives included: one for utility and the other a kukri sharpener.

Drawback:

• Nothing notable.

#9 GK&CO. Kukri House Genuine Gurkha Full-Tang Kukri

This knife is another kukri-style machete from the original khukuri makers – less expensive but equally impressive in its build quality, craftsmanship, and performance.

These kukris are meticulously handcrafted to meet high artistry standards, but you can expect slight variations and imperfections with the product you receive. They will be yours to improve, making the kukri your own.

However, the 5160 carbon steel is well-oiled, heavy-duty, and can be very sharp (although delivered unfinished) and stand up to any demanding task.

What you get with this machete:

• 11-inch high-grade 5160 carbon steel blade.
• 16-inch overall length.
• The blade’s edge is unfinished when delivered.
• Full-tang Rosewood handle.
• Handmade by the Gurkha Khuhuri makers.
• Each kukri is handcrafted, so dimensions may vary slightly.

#10 Fiskars 29 Inch Machete Axe

The blade’s shape may be uncommon among machetes, but it performs reasonably well in cutting thick bushes and splitting and chopping branches, roots, and most woody vegetation.

The ax-like blade head is capable of controlled chopping and splitting. The slight curve at the blade’s edge clears vines effortlessly, and the sharp tip makes an excellent chisel.

Its handle is one of the most comfortable you can find when used one or two-handed, and this machete is an excellent buy if the blade’s profile works for you.

What you get with this machete:

• 18-inch hardened steel blade with ax-like head.
• The blade is delivered unfinished, so initial sharpening is necessary.
• Long and comfortable handle (for one or two-handed use) with finger guard for protection.
• Nylon sheath.

Drawback:

• It can do many tasks but does not excel at any.

#11 Condor Tool & Knife Golok Machete

A golok or parang machete is an excellent multi-purpose cutting and chopping tool, and this Condor machete is no different. It is also an exceptional machete for bush crafting, camping, and hiking.

The full-tang high carbon steel blade that extends along the hardwood handle’s length gives it durability and stability under heavy use.

Its overall build quality is impressive.

What you get with this machete:

• 11-inch 1075 high carbon steel blade.
• Hardwood handle.
• Leather sheath.
• Made in El Salvador.

Drawback:

• The smooth handle profile can become slippery when wet.

Best machete under $200:

EGKH 18.5” Traditional Sirupate 2 Chira Kukri

A kukri-style machete with excellent craftmanship from the original khukuri makers. The high-grade carbon steel blade, full-tang rosewood handle, and leather sheath are an utter perfection to add to your machete collection.

Best machete under $100:

GK&CO. Kukri House Genuine Gurkha Full-Tang Kukri

With the carbon steel full-tang blade workhorse and a sand-colored leather sheath that blends exquisitely with the rosewood handle, this kukri is a steal at its price point.

Best machete under $50:

Hooyman Machete with Heavy Duty Construction

The machete is beautiful and an all-rounder for your outdoor needs. The accompanying polyester sheath makes it a winner at this price point.

Machete Buying Guide

The decision on buying the right machete for you primarily depends on the nature of your work, build quality, and budget.

A quality machete makes your work more effortless and lasts long when you maintain it correctly and consistently. It is an essential tool if you have a large yard.

Types of Machetes

Machetes come in different blade shapes and sizes, each designed to improve efficiency and optimized for a specific task.

The different types of machetes and their typical uses are:

• Bush machete – cut most vegetation.
• Cane machete – cut bamboo; sugar cane.
• Parang machete – chop woody vegetation; break coconuts.
• Barong machete – hunting.
• Bolo machete – chop woody vegetation; break coconuts.
• Colima machete – clear bush and vines.
• Bowie machete – hunting.
• Hawkbill machete – clear bush and vines.
• Kukri machete – survival; camping.
• Panga machete – cut most vegetation.
• Billhook machete – cut vines.
• Weighted machete – chop wood and tough branches.

How to Choose the Right Machete?

Consider these aspects when choosing the right machete for you:

• Blade shape – a longer and curved blade better supports sweeping motion to cut bushes or vines than a shorter, straight profile. Blades with a sharpened tip allow piercing, while a reverse hook design enables reaching and pulling vines.
• Blade material – typically made from stainless steel (better protects against corrosion and rust) or carbon steel (relatively more robust and durable).
• Blade thickness – thicker blades are sturdier for chopping while thinner ones allow swinging action without getting tired as quickly.
• Overall weight – a heavier blade provides the heft necessary for increased chopping power.
• Tang length – a full-tang blade is typically stronger and lasts longer under heavy use.
• Handle design – a non-slip handle made of wood or textured rubber provides better grip, especially when the hand sweats. Aim for a handle with a quillon or guard to protect the hand from slipping onto the blade.
• Sheath – a well-stitched, thick, and tough sheath made of canvas, nylon, or synthetic leather is a necessary protection for you and the blade.

How to Maintain a Machete?

A well-maintained machete remains sharp for longer, providing years of faithful service for your agricultural and outdoor activities.

A proper care and maintenance regime for a machete should include the following:

• Wipe down and dry the blade after each use before storing.
• Polish the blade with a metal polish cream along the blade’s length and from the blade’s back to avoid injury.
• Sharpen the blade lightly and regularly with a water stone or diamond stone – frequency depends on usage.
• Oil the blade – carbon steel requires more regular oiling than stainless steel. Increase oiling frequency if you notice rust forming.

What to Use to Sharpen a Machete?

The appropriate method to sharpen a machete will depend on your budget and how much time you want to invest in sharpening the blade.

You have 3 types of tool to sharpen a machete:

• Sharpening stone or whetstone – a traditional sharpening method for best results.
• Hand file – inexpensive with quick results.
• Handheld pull-through sharpener – most devices offer only one sharpening angle, and results are typically less satisfactory.

Best Sharpening Stone for Machete:

Lansky Dual Grit Multi-Purpose Sharpening Puck

The dual-grit puck design is ideal for sharpening machetes, axes, hatchets, and various garden tools. The coarse side cuts and shapes the metal blade, while the medium side provides the smooth sharp edge for cutting efficiency.

Always soak it with water for 5-10 minutes before use for a longer-lasting sharpening stone.

What you get with this machete sharpening puck:

• Double-sided puck: coarse grit 120 & medium grit 280.
• Easy to grip contoured-shape for safer sharpening.
• Handy: 9.5 x 5 x 1.13 inches.
• To remove chips on the blade, use a file first (see below).

Best File for Sharpening Machete:

Bahco 1-143-10-1-2 Ergo 10-inch Bastard File

A metal file is a straightforward method to sharpen your machetes quickly and reliably.

It is not the cheapest file you can find but well-made compared to other less expensive files that are too soft for filing metal blades and wear off quickly.

What you get with this machete sharpening file:

• Sharpens machetes and garden tools.
• 10-inch file; 1-inch width; 40 teeth per inch.
• Bastard cut.
• Comfortable ergonomic handle.
• Quality file manufactured in Portugal.

Best Knife Sharpener for Machete:

Smith’s 50582 Axe & Machete Sharpener

This handheld blade sharpener works for axes, hatchets, and machetes. You can sharpen the blade with just a few pulls.

Its carbide blades are abrasive and will wear out the machete’s blade if you apply excessive pulling force. It is more helpful when you frequently sharpen rather than wait till the machete’s edge becomes dull.

The wider-than-usual safety guard protects the hand adequately. Still, exercise caution with this type of sharpener as you run it along the blade’s sharp edge.

What you get with this machete sharpener:

• Replaceable carbide blades.
• Coarse grit that will wear out the machete’s blade quickly – avoid excessive force.
• Large finger guard for safety.
• Oversized handle for working with gloves.
• Sharpens the machete’s blade relatively quickly compared to other sharpener types.

What Angle Should You Sharpen a Machete?

The angle for sharpening your machete depends on the types of work you use it for. You are adapting the maintenance to its purpose to ensure optimal efficiency for the tool and your efforts.

A machete is multi-purpose, so the sharpening angle varies: use a 25 degrees sharpening angle for cutting grass and hunting purposes; 30 degrees or more for chopping wood, coconut, and tougher vegetation. You compromise between sharpness and sturdiness to suit the purpose.